The War

The things I saw
and what I did
cannot be talked about
yet there' re-lived

Every day they're
on my mind
rolling through it
pictured framed in time

Horror that will stop you dead
in your tracks
as you tread
over bodies of your mates

As you surge toward the gates
the gates of hell are opened wide
shells exploding at my side
what kind of man

Does this to another?
one that you would call
your brother?

I was in the parade with pride, medals shining
and at my side
stood a young man, not quite twenty
who saw no war - but had empathy

How could I tell him what I did?
What I saw? or how I lived?
I've been to hell and back I said
the drum was beating in my head

The bugle sounded as we marched along
memories are still very strong
of all my friends who have gone before me
paid the price in all their glory

The bugle has stopped ,... all is quiet
we pause for a minute
for the great sacrifice.

-Laura Drake
11/03/06